Digest Archive vol 1 Issue 384
From: owner-champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Sent: Thursday, June 10, 1999 12:50 AM
To: champ-l-digest@sysabend.org
Subject: champ-l-digest V1 #384
champ-l-digest Thursday, June 10 1999 Volume 01 : Number 384
In this issue:
Automata
Fantasy HERO Magical Treasure Conversion
Re: Automata
Re: Speed is SPD isnt it?
Re: The Mummy
Re: Different Powers, same effects [was Instant Change]
Re: Automata
Re: Cost of Flash
Re: Automata
Re: Fantasy HERO Magical Treasure Conversion
New Limitation: Power runs on STUN
Re: Automata
CHAR: Gregor Aulfwyrd, The Crimson Mage
Re: Fantasy HERO Magical Treasure Conversion
Re: Instant Change
Re: Instant Change
Re: Automata
Re: Instant Change
Re: Different Powers, same effects [was Instant Change]
Re: The Mummy
Re: Instant Change
Re: Swapping stats
Re: The Mummy
Re: Different Powers, same effects [was Instant Change]
Re: Different Powers, same effects [was Instant Change]
Re: The Mummy
Re: The Mummy
subscription change
Re: The Mummy
Re: Instant Change
Re: Instant Change
Re: CHAR: Chthonian (fwd)
Re: Instant Change
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 20:27:23 -0400
From: "Dave Mattingly" <dave@haymaker.win.net>
Subject: Automata
Can a full automaton (60 points, takes only body) sell off CON, EGO, REC,
and STUN to 0? (Yes, I know that you can only sell off one figred char, but
these stats don't need to be greater than 0). Or does being a non-stunnable
automaton nullify the STUN stat?
Dave Mattingly
http://haymaker.org
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 20:23:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: Fantasy HERO Magical Treasure Conversion
I am converting a number of Magical Items for Fantasy HERO from a
book called _Fantastic Treasures_ by Allen Hammack, originally compiled
for use for AD&D from Mayfair Games, Inc. "Role Aids" series. It contains
a number of Legendary Treasures from the Myths Of All Ages; it has
"hundreds of enchanted weapons and items from myth and folklore."
The Biblography is pretty impressive... and the items would seem
to be fairly easy to convert, but for one stumbling block I've run into so
far...
*****
I need to contruct itema that requires the user perfrom a
certain action for a certain duration to get a certain end effect.
I was thinking of using either Charges or an END Pool.
An example of this type of construct for an item would be as
follows:
*****
Abracadabra Amulet
The Abracadabra Amulet can confer good luck upon the wearer.
Anyone possessing such an amulet may alter his luck by saying the word
"abracadabra." It modifies die rolls a certain percentage each time the
word is spoken, and multiple utterances are permited for a cumulative
effect on one roll.
Each amulet is good for 100 uses, although most found have been
partially used up and there is no way to determine the extent to which it
has been used. When the amulet is exhaused, the wearer will know no
change to his luck has been made. The amulet can not be recharged.
Appearance: The amulet is shaped like an inverted pyramid,
bearing a gradually vanaishing inscription. It is often made of gold, but
can also be made of other metals.
Mechanics:
27 100 point Multipower, IAF (-1/2), Incantations: "Abracadrbra"
(-1/4), Independent (-2)
@>10u 10 Overall Skill Levels
@>10u 20d6 Luck
- -----
Now, the character would have to say Abracadraba up to ten times
to get the full effect from the Overall Skill Levels. Each time the
command word was said, it would take time (probally a half-phase or phase
to actually say the word), and expend a Charge or a Unit of END from a
Fixed END pool with No REC. There would be an Additional Limitation on
the END Pool or Charges to represent the fact that it could not be
recovered.
- -----
Your input would be greatly appreciated.
- -----
BTW: Does anyone have the address for the Fantasy HERO
subscription list?
- -Jason
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 20:25:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: Re: Automata
On Wed, 9 Jun 1999, Dave Mattingly wrote:
> Can a full automaton (60 points, takes only body) sell off CON, EGO, REC,
> and STUN to 0? (Yes, I know that you can only sell off one figred char, but
> these stats don't need to be greater than 0). Or does being a non-stunnable
> automaton nullify the STUN stat?
From memory, they can sell back STUN. It is not automatically
negated.
They can not, however, sell off EGO if they are a non AI
Automaton.
I am unclear as to if AI/Automatons need to buy they overlapping
statistics (INT, DEX, SPD) once or "twice."
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 20:27:29 -0400
From: "Michael Sprague" <msprague@eznet.net>
Subject: Re: Speed is SPD isnt it?
>On Tue, 8 Jun 1999, Mark Lemming wrote:
>> Michael Sprague wrote:
>> >
>> > >While it is true that this system would less-penalize the attacks
>> > >of a faster hero, the old one penalized the slower hero even worse!
>> > In the old system, a slower hero was _not_ penalized any worse ... both
>> > characters would lose the same number of Phases. The slower character
was
>> > half DCV longer. Now the faster character loses more phases, but both
are
>> > half DCV for the same length of time.
>> One thing I notice is that the slower characters can just start a delay
and
>> with low numbers of flash they won't even lose a phase.
>
>Hm. It seems like a lot of people are assuming that the primary purpose
>of Flash is to make people lose phases, and that's why a lot of them are
>getting upset when they hear about the new ruling. Personally, I think
>the primary purpose of Flash is to disrupt someone's senses, which it
>still does, and in a way that makes more sense than it did previously.
>
>As for Flash penalizing high-SPD characters more now: I don't agree.
>You're at 1/2 DCV for the same amount of time as the low SPD characters.
>Flash doesn't actually cause you to /lose/ any actions - you're just
>limited in the actions you can take, but you still get to take each and
>every one of those actions, which means you still have a benefit over the
>lower-SPD person. Just because you're Flashed doesn't mean you have to
>stand there like an idiot doing nothing...
>
>Would anyone say that Darkness penalizes high-SPD characters more than
>low-SPD ones?
Chuckle, I think I am coming around to this pont of view.
The main thing I had used Flash for and seen it used for by others, was to
cause the target(s) to lose Phases. Granted, you don't actually _lose_
them, but your actions are so limited that it's almost the same thing. I
have come around to the point of view that 1/2 DCV is the significant thing
Flash does, therefore, the new Flash rules are probably better then the old.
~ Mike
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 17:12:33 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: The Mummy
At 07:19 PM 6/9/1999 -0400, Jason Schneiderman wrote:
>>> So... just why _did_ his player decide to buy "Fastdraw: Housecat"? :-)
>
>Another scene from that movie inspired me to take the "Hurl Inanimate
>Object with Panache" skill for my pulp hero. :)
Pardon this cut-in from someone who hasn't seen the movie, and probably
won't, but since when is a housecat inanimate when being thrown?
- -- Bob, who has had the experience of bathing a cat and has the scars to
prove it
- ---
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page! [Circle of HEROS member]
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm
Merry-Go-Round Webring -- wanna join?
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 20:32:26 EDT
From: Leah L Watts <llwatts@juno.com>
Subject: Re: Different Powers, same effects [was Instant Change]
>using a 1d6 transformation to turn my blue oxford shirt in to 100pd/ed
chain
>mail is an abuse ... perhaps even rules raping gone to seed. And that
was my
>point.
Unless you have spent points on a 100 PD/ED chain mail shirt. (Or unless
the GM has decided that 100 PD/ED chain mail is normal equipment and can
be bought with cash -- but let's stay out of that one!)
Maybe it's just the people I choose to game with, but I haven't run into
anyone who would use Instant Change to copy, say, Iron Man's armor and
expect it to work like the real thing.
Leah
___________________________________________________________________
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 20:35:22 EDT
From: SteveL1979@aol.com
Subject: Re: Automata
<< > Can a full automaton (60 points, takes only body) sell off CON, EGO, REC,
> and STUN to 0? (Yes, I know that you can only sell off one figred char, but
> these stats don't need to be greater than 0). Or does being a non-stunnable
> automaton nullify the STUN stat? >>
An automaton automatically has 0 EGO; thus, it can't sell that back.
"Takes No Stun" does, as you put it, "nullify" the STUN
Characteristic; you can't sell that back, either.
Automata can sell back their END.
CON I suppose is a GM's call. The question is, how often would an
automata need to make CON Rolls; that's about the only other thing CON does
besides providing STUN and other Figureds. I tend to go with no, you can't
sell it back, but YMMV.
Steve Long
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 20:36:22 -0400
From: "Michael Sprague" <msprague@eznet.net>
Subject: Re: Cost of Flash
> Since the cost of Flash is changing, has anyone suggested that Flash cost
>15 points per d6, but you count the pips as segments of flash, rather than
>counting the "body" done? {It does make the counting easier. It also makes
>the power slightly more powerful, given the average damage and the minimum
>of 1 segment.)
I tried this, or something similar to it (I think I made it 20 points), but
I didn't like it. For one thing, you don't get 0 on a die any more ... what
you really need to do is make it a d6-1.
What I eventually did was leave Flash the way it is described, but made it
2d6 for 15 points (I also made an extra d6 8 points, not 7.5 rounded down
to 7). This worked quite well, points-wise, but was somewhat awkward. I
probably should have let the extra d6 round to 7.
~ Mike
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 17:35:47 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: Automata
At 08:27 PM 6/9/1999 -0400, Dave Mattingly wrote:
>Can a full automaton (60 points, takes only body) sell off CON, EGO, REC,
>and STUN to 0? (Yes, I know that you can only sell off one figred char, but
>these stats don't need to be greater than 0). Or does being a non-stunnable
>automaton nullify the STUN stat?
I don't know what the rulebook says, and I don't think it really says
anything specific about it, but as far as I'm concerned, being an Automaton
at this level takes away the existance of these stats, so they can't be
sold off.
- ---
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page! [Circle of HEROS member]
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm
Merry-Go-Round Webring -- wanna join?
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 17:40:30 -0700
From: Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com>
Subject: Re: Fantasy HERO Magical Treasure Conversion
At 08:23 PM 6/9/1999 -0400, Jason Sullivan wrote:
[snip]
> Mechanics:
>27 100 point Multipower, IAF (-1/2), Incantations: "Abracadrbra"
> (-1/4), Independent (-2)
>@>10u 10 Overall Skill Levels
>@>10u 20d6 Luck
>-----
> Now, the character would have to say Abracadraba up to ten times
>to get the full effect from the Overall Skill Levels. Each time the
>command word was said, it would take time (probally a half-phase or phase
>to actually say the word), and expend a Charge or a Unit of END from a
>Fixed END pool with No REC. There would be an Additional Limitation on
>the END Pool or Charges to represent the fact that it could not be
>recovered.
Seems to me that, rather than the above construct, this might be better
simulated with Aid. Use the optional rule, that I think Steve L. has
mentioned is coming in Hero5 (and which some GMs use anyway), which allows
a Power to be bought with a fixed effect equal to 3 points per die.
Rounding off a bit, 10 pips worth of Aid can be bought for the equivalent
of 3d6; raise the Max Increase to 100, and possibly throw in a Limitation
that the Aid goes away instantly when the Skill Levels are used.
Would that work?
- ---
Bob's Original Hero Stuff Page! [Circle of HEROS member]
http://www.klock.com/public/users/bob.greenwade/original.htm
Merry-Go-Round Webring -- wanna join?
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 20:58:52 -0400
From: "Michael Sprague" <msprague@eznet.net>
Subject: New Limitation: Power runs on STUN
I was browsing through an old SpaceGamer magazine (December 1988), where I
ran across an article on new Powers, Advantages and Limitations for
Champions, written by Steve Fulleman. Most of them can be handled by the
existing rules (article is pre-4th ed.) in different ways, but the
Limitation (called a Disadvantage in the article) "Power runs on STUN"
looked quite interesting.
While I doubt I would use it exactly as written, following is the exact text
from the article.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Disadvantage-Power runs on STUN:
Powers that normally cost END to use can be converted to use STUN point
instead. Such powers may not have their STUN/END cost reduced to less than
2 STUN, or 1/4 normal, whichever is greater. Similarly, such powers may not
run on END/STUN batteries, or on charges.
Disadvantage Total: -1/4
- - - - - - - - - - -
I find this a usable idea, though I think it would be worth a bit more than
a -1/4 Limitation ... possibly even -1. One could allow the 1/2 Reduced END
Advantage on this, but not 0 END, for obvious reasons. Not using END
batteries is also a good rule.
Anyone have any comments?
~ Mike
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 21:05:50 -0400
From: "Dave Mattingly" <dave@haymaker.win.net>
Subject: Re: Automata
Followup questions: Do 3 levels of Density Increase for an automaton give +3
PD/ED or +1 PD/ED? How much does Damage Resistance for 6 PD/ED cost: 6, or
18?
Dave Mattingly
http://haymaker.org
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 21:07:11 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: CHAR: Gregor Aulfwyrd, The Crimson Mage
THE CRIMSON MAGE
CHA Cost Roll Notes
11 STR 1 11- 115kg; 2d6+1
18 DEX 24 13- OCV: 6 / DCV: 6
13 CON 6 12-
16 BODY 12 12-
19 INT 9 13- PER Roll 13-
15 EGO 10 12- ECV: 5
16 PRE 6 12- PRE Attack: 3d6+1
12 COM 1 11-
3 PD 1
8 ED 5
4 SPD 12 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12
7 REC 4
30 END 2
30 STUN 1
Total Characteristics Cost: 94
Movement:
Running: 6" / 12"
Swimming: 2" / 4"
Cost Powers & Skills
3 Acrobatics 13-
3 Concealment 13-
3 Conversation 12-
3 Inventor 12-
3 KS: Magic 13-
2 CS: Bridgeport 11-
1 FAM: Navigation 8-
3 Riding 12-
3 SS: Alchemy 13-
3 Sleight of Hand 13-
3 Weaponsmith: Slugthrowers 11-
3 WF: Fencing Blades, Starwheel Pistol
2 Fluent Conversation in Dwarven
Combat Training:
Maneuver
5 Thrust Defensive Strike
5 Slash Offensive Strike
4 Parry Martial Block
Powers:
Crimson Mage Magic Pool
84 60 point VPP: Offensive Magical Powers Only (-1/4)
20 200 END Reserve
10 15 REC, Must Shed the Blood of Another (-1/2)
30 90 REC, Must Kill (-2)
Equipment:
11 2d6 RKA, OAF: "Starwheel Pistol" (-1), 6 Charges (-3/4)
12 +5/+5 Armor (Magical), IIF: "Red Clothing" (-1/4)
0 1d6 HKA, OAF: "Rapier" (-1), Independent (-2)
Notes: +1 OCV, STR Min 10
100+ Disadvantages
0 Distinctive Features: Corrupted soul
10 Distinctive Features: Always wears red, fine clothes (Concealable)
15 Physical Limitation: Tainted; Indelibly Corrupt (Infrequent,
Great)
20 Psychological Limitation: Amoral (Common, Total)
10 Psychological Limitation: Self-Serving (Common, Moderate)
15 Psychological Limitation: Deceitful (Common, Strong)
5 Psychological Limitation: Revels in Power, Glories in Chaos
(Uncommon, Moderate)
0 Mystery Watched, More Powerful, 8-
Designers Notes:
Gregor was born into a very uncomfortable life. His mother lived
on the outskirts of Daria. Plauged with The Sight, she was shunned by her
peers. In her solitude, she tetered on the brink of madness. Rumoured to
have made dark pacts with powerful forces, Gregor's conception, her
pregnancy, and his birth pushed her over the edge. Contemplating from
tattered memories her experiences drove her delusional dementia past the
point of rationality; she prepared to sacrifice Gregor in a near by
grove one winter's eve.
The constiple's son, Cepho, was hunting when he saw the strange
ritual taking place. Without a second thought, he slayed the witch, and
took up the boy. Soon after, an unatural storm commenced.
Cepho hurried home with the boy. Cepho had been badly bitten by
the cold and grew ill. Cepho was striken blind by the incident. Zerhl,
the constiple, and ahard handed man, cared for Gregor, but in truth hated
him.
Gregor's affinity for complex things had not gone unoticed. A
local wizard's Cabal wished to teach Gregor the arts of magic. Zerhl
agreed to let the boy train with the group of militant wizards. Packing
what few meger belongings he had, Gregor wandered from town to town,
entertaining in taverns with magic tricks, gathering rumours and
knowledge. Sick of being the Cabal's errand boy, Gregor resided in
BridgePort for the next few years, working with local Dwarves to learn
Alchemy's science. Eventually, the Dwarves trusted the young man enough
to let him into their territory. During one of their festivals, Gregor
snuck into their cave and found a stockhold of rare and dangerous items.
Staling what he could, Gregor fled into the night.
Gregor managed to summon a minor Demon from the Great Prison using
a stolen tome and other ritualistic items. The Demon, Obneghiel, offered
Gregor great power for a life of servitude. Gregor destroyed the last
remnants of the altar, but it was too late. Slowly but surely, Gregor was
corupted by the power.
Gregor now acts as a advisor of the mystical arts to many merhcant
families. He also acts as a mercenary and part time assassin. In
reality, he feeds blood to Obneghiel to secure his pact and gain power.
Description:
Gregor appears to be a sly young man with fine platinum blond hair
and bright amber eyes. His features lean towards a fairer, more refined,
more delicate stock than common men.
It is rumored Gregor's absentee father was, in fact, Blooded,
which would explain his exotic features. These rumors are soon quelled by
talk of the mysterious deaths of the rumormongers.
(Gregor Aulfwyrd created by Jason Sullivan, character sheet created by
Michael Surbrook)
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 21:10:55 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: Re: Fantasy HERO Magical Treasure Conversion
On Wed, 9 Jun 1999, Bob Greenwade wrote:
> mentioned is coming in Hero5 (and which some GMs use anyway), which allows
> a Power to be bought with a fixed effect equal to 3 points per die.
> Rounding off a bit, 10 pips worth of Aid can be bought for the equivalent
> of 3d6; raise the Max Increase to 100, and possibly throw in a Limitation
> that the Aid goes away instantly when the Skill Levels are used.
> Would that work?
Can you AID Luck and Skill Levels? If so, then this might be the
"best" construct. Still, the issue of Charges, 0 END, or END Reserve
remains.
Also, how would I set the "time limit" or would that automatically
be incorporated into the AID?
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jun 1999 21:17:14 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Instant Change
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* Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com> on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
| Now, if Transformation can't be used to turn a stick into a sword, then
| what do you sue Transform for? And, what power would be used to turn a
| stick into a sword?
You cannot use Transformation to as a means of giving yourself powers that
you have not paid for. That is, you cannot (as per my examples) routinely
use a minimum-cost Transformation to give yourself much more expensive
powers.
This is why I strongly disagree with the 4th edition's lack or ruling that
it is not allowed to give active points to a target of a Transformation.
At the very least there is no correlation between the power of the
Transformation and the active points given to the target. As it stands
now, a 60-point Major Transformation can just as easilly turn a normal
person into a 1000-point monster as it can turn him into a lump of rock.
Not knowing how things will be worded in the 5th edition, and fully
expecting the 5th not to revert Transformation to the 3rd edition form
which specifically disallows adding points to the target, I do not have a
warm, fuzzy feeling about what I will actually see when the new book
finally hits the shelves.
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------------------------------
Date: 09 Jun 1999 21:17:51 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Instant Change
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* Geoff Speare <geoff@igcn.com> on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
| As a hypothetical 5th edition Transformation, Transforming clothing to a
| specific power armor suit which the character has paid points for does not
| seem unreasonable.
Yeah... but that is not a Transformation, that is a special effect.
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Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Warning: pregnant women, the elderly, and
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 20:23:56 -0500
From: Ross Rannells <rossrannells@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: Automata
Dave Mattingly wrote:
> Followup questions: Do 3 levels of Density Increase for an automaton give +3
> PD/ED or +1 PD/ED? How much does Damage Resistance for 6 PD/ED cost: 6, or
> 18?
>
> Dave Mattingly
> http://haymaker.org
I've always ruled that the three levels of Dencity Increase gives a +1 for
and Automaton/Vehicle. In the same vane, an additional 6 points of
PD/ED now would cost 18 points. Basically PD and ED become
eqiuivelent to Armor for Takes No Stun Automatons and Vehicles.
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jun 1999 21:22:30 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Instant Change
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* Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com> on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
| While arguably true, this was not the question. The question was about
| turning a power suit into pajamas, not the other way around.
Suppress or Dispell are the two powers generally used to deprive another
character of his powers, not Transformation. In this case, "armor" is the
special effect targeted by the Suppress or Dispell, and turning said armor
into pajamas is a special effect of whichever power is used.
| (FWIW I once allowed a magical prankster character -- a literal pixie,
| it so happened -- with Instant Change, Usable Against Others at Range. The
| player thought it'd be funny to zap Armadillo with it, turning the poor
| guy's armor into a tutu. That got a good chuckle from all present, but
| that turned into guffaws when Armadillo blasted the pixie with his tutu's
| weapon systems. That became the most powerful tutu in the world....)
I like.
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Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Warning: pregnant women, the elderly, and
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ children under 10 should avoid prolonged
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ exposure to Happy Fun Ball.
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jun 1999 21:31:09 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Different Powers, same effects [was Instant Change]
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* "James Jandebeur" <james@javaman.to> on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
| Just out of curiosity, where in the book does it actually say that? I know
| that comment gets bandied about and is in the FAQ, but where is it in the
| book?
It isn't, per se. It is more a rule of thumb intended to help you remember
to keep it simple when matching powers to special effects. For instance,
you could buy a 15-point Transformation that turns "twigs" into "short
swords", but what you should do is buy a 1D6 HKA with the special effect
"short sword transformed from a handy twig".
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- --
Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Warning: pregnant women, the elderly, and
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ children under 10 should avoid prolonged
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ exposure to Happy Fun Ball.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 20:37:11 -0500
From: "Guy Hoyle" <ghoyle1@airmail.net>
Subject: Re: The Mummy
On 6/9/99 at 7:19 PM jadasc@ma.ultranet.com wrote:
>At 8:56 AM 6/9/99, Michael Surbrook wrote:
>>On Wed, 9 Jun 1999, Daniel P. Pawtowski wrote:
>>> > Our Hero was a ton of points too though
>>> So... just why _did_ his player decide to buy "Fastdraw: Housecat"?
:-)
>
>Another scene from that movie inspired me to take the "Hurl Inanimate
>Object with Panache" skill for my pulp hero. :)
>
I'd be really interested in hearing about any pulp-inspired powers,
talents, skills, etc., that anybody hascome up with for their games. My
campaign, Tales of the Odysseus League, is set in 1936; the League,
ostensibly a lodge for world-travellers who have been shipwrecked or
stranded at one time or another, actually battles mad scientists, evil
warlords, centuries-old demons, and other really bad folk.
>"So tell me again why he took the eyes from the nearsighted guy..."
Obviously, he didn't actually use the eyes as they were. Possibly they were
foci for some kind of regeneration spell, and their condition didn't much
matter; after all, he went back to looking the way he was, not a patchwork
of all the parts he stole. Besides, being nearsighted, he was easier to
sneak up on.
Guy
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jun 1999 21:40:27 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Instant Change
- -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
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* shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw) on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
| I have to debate this point as always; it may be illegal to use one power to
| precisely copy another power in the effect sense, but there are plenty of
| cases where it's not only legitimate, but proper to buy something called
| 'invisibilitily' with a power other than the one called Invisibility.
That is because "invisibility" is a special effect. The Shadow might use
Mind Control to make those around him believe they cannot see him. On the
other hand, "clouding the minds" of a room full of people is incredibly
expensive to do with Mind Control; Invisibility with the special effect of
"clouding men's minds" might be the most appropriate power to use.
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- --
Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Ingredients of Happy Fun Ball include an
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ unknown glowing substance which fell to
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ Earth, presumably from outer space.
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jun 1999 21:46:02 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Swapping stats
- -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
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* Bob Greenwade <bob.greenwade@klock.com> on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
| It occurs to me that the "right way" to the above would be to buy REC
| for the END Reserve, but make the REC cost personal END.
Yep, and I am kicking myself for not noticing something that obvious.
[...]
| Ignoring the ridiculousness of the first remark for the time being, I've
| seen plenty of cases in fiction (movies, TV, novels) where characters had
| reason to turn a weapon on themselves. One of the clearest examples is a
| recent story where a "loose cannon" cop shot herself so she'd have an
| injury to take to an unlicensed back-alley surgeon that she and her partner
| were looking for. Then there are the various Klingon self-mutilation
| rites, and similar rites in other fictional and even real-world
| religions....
Does the loose cannon cop shoot herself every chapter/episode as a means to
solving the case at hand? Do Klingons mutilate themselves every episode?
Do the followers of said religions mutilate (or whatever) themselves every
day? No, they do not. None of these are "normal" actions in the Champions
sense of normal: routine, commonplace, etc.
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- --
Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 21:29:56 -0400
From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: The Mummy
At 05:12 PM 6/9/99 -0700, you wrote:
>At 07:19 PM 6/9/1999 -0400, Jason Schneiderman wrote:
>>>> So... just why _did_ his player decide to buy "Fastdraw: Housecat"?
:-)
>>
>>Another scene from that movie inspired me to take the "Hurl Inanimate
>>Object with Panache" skill for my pulp hero. :)
>
> Pardon this cut-in from someone who hasn't seen the movie, and probably
>won't, but since when is a housecat inanimate when being thrown?
>
Well, he did say it was _another_ scene which inspired him....
============================
Geoff Heald
============================
Attention all enemies of the Rival Ninja Corporation: You will lay down
your weapons and surrender to your nearest R.N.C. representative. Failure
to do so will result in your total destruction. Thank you.
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jun 1999 21:48:32 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Different Powers, same effects [was Instant Change]
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* Ben Brown <benbrown@primenet.com> on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
| Maybe, maybe not. no more than it's despised currently for having no
| significant game effect no matter what you do with it.
Change Environment as it currently stands is largely a means of tripping up
opponents' vulnerabilities and susceptabilities to certain special effects.
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- --
Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Do not use Happy Fun Ball on concrete.
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \
------------------------------
Date: 09 Jun 1999 21:53:48 -0400
From: Stainless Steel Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net>
Subject: Re: Different Powers, same effects [was Instant Change]
- -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
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* Leah L Watts <llwatts@juno.com> on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
| Maybe it's just the people I choose to game with, but I haven't run into
| anyone who would use Instant Change to copy, say, Iron Man's armor and
| expect it to work like the real thing.
Just a little indirect annecdote. This goes back a few years, to just
before the first edition "Cyberpunk" was released. The guys at R.Tal were
utterly horrified at the returns from oe of the groups. The majority of
the cast of PCs in that group were indistinguishable from your average
Cyberdyne Systems Model 101.
Or, perhaps a simpler example: Rifts.
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- --
Rat <ratinox@peorth.gweep.net> \ Ingredients of Happy Fun Ball include an
Minion of Nathan - Nathan says Hi! \ unknown glowing substance which fell to
PGP Key: at a key server near you! \ Earth, presumably from outer space.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 18:18:36 -0700
From: jayphailey@juno.com
Subject: Re: The Mummy
> Pardon this cut-in from someone who hasn't seen the movie, and
>probably won't, but since when is a housecat inanimate when being
thrown?
>
>-- Bob, who has had the experience of bathing a cat and has the scars
>to prove it
I used a cat as a thrown weapon during a martial arts sparing session
once-
A> The cat coped a resentment which she holds untyil this very day.
B> It did break up my opponents concentration BUT-
C> I didn't follow up on my advanatage quickly enough, and when my
opponent resumed the sparing match I was outgunned.
The lesson here being, never pull a cat unless you're serious about using
itr.
Jay P. Hailey <Meow!> [ICQ: 37959005]
Read Star Trek- Outwardly Mobile At-
http://www.geocities.com/~tesral/jay/
___________________________________________________________________
Get the Internet just the way you want it.
Free software, free e-mail, and free Internet access for a month!
Try Juno Web: http://dl.www.juno.com/dynoget/tagj.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 22:02:04 -0400
From: geoff heald <gheald@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Re: The Mummy
At 06:18 PM 6/9/99 -0700, you wrote:
>I used a cat as a thrown weapon during a martial arts sparing session
>once-
>
>A> The cat coped a resentment which she holds untyil this very day.
>
>B> It did break up my opponents concentration BUT-
>
>C> I didn't follow up on my advanatage quickly enough, and when my
>opponent resumed the sparing match I was outgunned.
>
>The lesson here being, never pull a cat unless you're serious about using
>itr.
I once travelled (RPG here and not IRL) with a mage who had a "pouch of
throwing kittens". Not much damage, but guarenteed to ruin concentration.
============================
Geoff Heald
============================
Attention all enemies of the Rival Ninja Corporation: You will lay down
your weapons and surrender to your nearest R.N.C. representative. Failure
to do so will result in your total destruction. Thank you.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 21:02:09 -0500
From: Lance Dyas <lancelot@inetnebr.com>
Subject: subscription change
exactly how do i get my subscription changed to...
lancelot@inetnebr.com
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 22:10:06 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jason Sullivan <ravanos@NJCU.edu>
Subject: Re: The Mummy
On Wed, 9 Jun 1999, geoff heald wrote:
> At 06:18 PM 6/9/99 -0700, you wrote:
> I once travelled (RPG here and not IRL) with a mage who had a "pouch of
> throwing kittens". Not much damage, but guarenteed to ruin concentration.
...in HoL, you have a "special weapon" known as the "Kitty-Kitty
Bang-Bang" which is dynamite strapped on to the back of a cat.
It's popular not because it has exceptionally potent explosives or
an advanced delivery system, but because it's for sick people who like to
blow up cats.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 19:30:03 -0700 (PDT)
From: shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw)
Subject: Re: Instant Change
>* shaw@caprica.com (Wayne Shaw) on Wed, 09 Jun 1999
>| I have to debate this point as always; it may be illegal to use one power to
>| precisely copy another power in the effect sense, but there are plenty of
>| cases where it's not only legitimate, but proper to buy something called
>| 'invisibilitily' with a power other than the one called Invisibility.
>
>That is because "invisibility" is a special effect. The Shadow might use
>Mind Control to make those around him believe they cannot see him. On the
>other hand, "clouding the minds" of a room full of people is incredibly
>expensive to do with Mind Control; Invisibility with the special effect of
>"clouding men's minds" might be the most appropriate power to use.
Probably would, because of the prohibitive cost. But if someone desperately
wanted to do it that way, I wouldn't tell them they couldn't because this
power called 'Invisibility' exists.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 00:12:53 -0400 (EDT)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com>
Subject: Re: Instant Change
On 9 Jun 1999, Stainless Steel Rat wrote:
> | Now, if Transformation can't be used to turn a stick into a sword, then
> | what do you sue Transform for? And, what power would be used to turn a
> | stick into a sword?
>
> You cannot use Transformation to as a means of giving yourself powers that
> you have not paid for. That is, you cannot (as per my examples) routinely
> use a minimum-cost Transformation to give yourself much more expensive
> powers.
So, what about a Fantasy Hero setting where you don't have to pay for a
HKA sword? What then?
- --
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html
"A good plan violently executed now
is better than a perfect plan next week."
General George Patton
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 00:15:17 -0400 (EDT)
From: Michael Surbrook <susano@dedaana.otd.com>
Subject: Re: CHAR: Chthonian (fwd)
On Wed, 9 Jun 1999, Jason Sullivan wrote:
> >21 Summon Earthquakes: TK: 10 STR, AoE: Radius x16 (+2),
> > Personal Immunity (+1/4), 1/2 END (+1/4), No Range (-1/2), Only
> > affects things in or on the ground (-1/2), Only can be used to
> > simulate the effects of an earthquake (-1), END 2
>
> Isn't it somewhat redundant to have: Only affects things in or on
> the ground (-1/2) and Only can be used to simulate the effects of an
> earthquake (-1), since Earthquakes only Affect things in or on the Ground?
Well, I was trying to break down the limitations of the TK into smaller
values as opposed to one big -2 lim of "Must act like an Earthquake".
- --
Michael Surbrook - susano@otd.com - http://www.otd.com/~susano/index.html
"A good plan violently executed now
is better than a perfect plan next week."
General George Patton
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 14:55:13 +1000
From: "happyelf" <jonesl@cqnet.com.au>
Subject: Re: Instant Change
- -----Original Message-----
From: AndMat3@aol.com <AndMat3@aol.com>
>Problems with the initial question:
>1) using a power to simulate another power is illegal.
no, it's not. only very rarely is such an idea even mentioned,
and usually in a specific curcumstance, such as str usable at range vs tk.
by the rules, there is nothing wrong with having flight limited to
horizontal surfaces, or
really high ncm flight instead of ftl travel.
------------------------------
End of champ-l-digest V1 #384
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